Roxy Zapala from Art Of Celebrations in conversation on the design principles and creativity behind the seaside glamour inspired style shoot at Airship37 captured by Lifeimages.
Your company states “We combine our knowledge of interior design with floral artistry, modern aesthetic and incredible attention to detail in order to produce unparalleled events”. How does this knowledge contribute to the success of this styled shoot?
This styled shoot, similarly to any other styled shoot, requires a lot of attention to detail. In order to have a successful styled shoot you need to take the theme of the shoot and really apply all the different elements and details to every aspect of it. You want the reader to understand what the theme of the shoot is simply by looking at it. So it’s important that each element tells a story on its own but also has a cohesive look throughout the styled shoot. As a designer I love different textures and colours so I made sure that we played with all those different elements to create this beautiful styled shoot.
What was the initial inspiration for this Seaside Inspired Shoot with A Touch Of Blush?
We called this shoot Seaside Glamour – it’s light, airy and beachy but at the same time also full of fine details. I was really inspired by the beauty of my favourite place in the world – Bora Bora. From the single pearl on each place setting, to the colour of the vases which represent the turquoise waters, to the beautiful, lush florals inspired by the coral reef.

How did create your colour scheme for the style shoot and keep it integrated throughout the entire design?
I wanted to do a beach theme without it being too gimmicky. I didn’t just want to do a ton of turquoise and really bright strong colors that most people associate with a beach wedding or event. They wanted it to be more elegant and pretty but still really read as seaside-inspired.
What did Anista designs contribute to the styled shoot with their printed designs and what was the process for arriving at the printed designs?
This part was SUPER easy!!! I literally pitched the theme to Christa (the talent behind Anista Designs) and she came back with most amazing design! It’s like she read my mind of what I was hoping for. I used a gold-painted coral inserted into the table setting and Christa took that element and also applied it on to the stationary. The design was so harmonious, it was perfect. And the muted gold she used just added another element of glam to the overall look.


The geometric hanging lights contribute and build a dynamic element into the design. What was the process for sourcing this element and what did it contribute to the overall atmosphere of the styled shoot?
I was seeking to find elements with ocean-inspired textures and this amazing chandelier was made entirely of mother of pearl (as was the table in this shoot!). And I loved the fact that the chandelier had a pop of stronger colour.
Anyone that knows my design style, know that I just LOVE hanging features. I just love to fill the negative space between the ceiling and the table with fun, unexpected elements.


How did you chose the wedding dress and how did it end up working seamlessly with the seaside glamour theme?
This dress was so dreamy and absolutely perfect for this shoot. A classic Vera Wang with the the full, flowy bottom. That added fabric almost reminded me of jellyfish tentacles and the way they effortlessly glide through ocean waters. Our lovely model looked like a mermaid wearing it 🙂
If you were to translate this style shoot into a real wedding at Airship37 how would you build out the theme for a couple?
I think this style of wedding would be perfect for a couple who perhaps got married at a beach-side destination and were hosting their reception here in Toronto.
Airship37 has so much to offer! I would take full advantage of the exposed ceiling to suspend chandeliers or other decor elements that would fit with the theme. And I would definitely use the white background to make the tablescapes pop against it, just as we did in this shoot.


How did you work with the photographer to bring the full concept of the styled shoot out in the photographs?
Alex from Life Images is such a pro! I can’t say enough about his talent. He’s actually the one that suggested Airship37 for this shoot, so I have a lot to thank him for, as he contributed greatly to the overall success of this shoot! Although Alex doesn’t need any direction when it comes to shooting weddings and styled shoots, he’s always sooo willing to seek opinions from other vendors. He also takes his time to play with all different set ups to make sure he captures the beauty in each element. He’s truly one of my favourite photographers out there!
CREATIVE PRODUCER, STYLIST AND FLORAL DESIGNER • Art of Celebrations PHOTOGRAPHY • Lifeimages., LOCATION • Airship 37 , , STATIONERY • Anista Designs, CAKE AND DESSERTS • Patricia’s Cake Creations, GOWN • Vera Wang, HAIR, MAKEUP, AND MANICURIST • Aniya Nandy Beauty, JEWELLERY • Tara Fava Jewellery, SHOES • BCBG Max Azria, ADDITIONAL RENTALS • FOS Decor Center (CHAIRS, FABRICS AND CHARGER PLATES), Camilla House Imports (CHANDELIER AND TABLE), Sherwood Copy (BACKDROP POSTER), Crate & Barrel (FLATWARE AND STEMWARE), AND Abbott (PLATES)